Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining.
Linda GrossheimPaul RuffTwalib NgomaVerna D VanderpuyeGladys MwangoPrimus OchiengDennis PalmerFrancine KouyaNwamaka N LasebikanAtara NtekimMamsau NgomaNoella BihAbba MalloumAhmed ElawawyDavid KerrWilfred NgwaPublished in: JCO global oncology (2021)
There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.
Keyphrases
- papillary thyroid
- radiation therapy
- coronavirus disease
- squamous cell
- sars cov
- healthcare
- palliative care
- gold nanoparticles
- lymph node metastasis
- mental health
- quality improvement
- social media
- end stage renal disease
- squamous cell carcinoma
- big data
- machine learning
- cardiovascular disease
- childhood cancer
- electronic health record
- risk assessment
- young adults
- risk factors
- affordable care act
- newly diagnosed
- human health
- artificial intelligence
- health insurance
- deep learning
- rectal cancer
- locally advanced